Friday, September 10, 2010

Effect of Coconut Oil on Preventing Hair Damage

Historically, Coconut oil has been proved to promote healthy hair as it aids in preventing cuticle damage.

Because of extensive cross-linking, cuticle cells tend to be brittle and, therefore, are susceptible to damage by wet combing. The loss of cuticle cells by gradual chipping eventually leads to split ends and fracture (Journal of Cosmetic Science, 50, 327-339, November/December 1999). In other words, hair can be easily damaged during the detangling phase

It has been scientifically proven that protein loss, from wet combing/hair manipulation when hair is wet, can be reduced by applying coconut oil as a pre-wash conditioner (Journal of Cosmetic Science, 50, 327-339, November/December 1999)

When hair is wet, the cuticle is lifted due to swelling from the water penetrating it, and as a result of the cuticle being lifted, the hair could gradually chip away from combing or detangling, leading to protein loss. However, it has been scientifically proven that when Coconut oil is applied to hair BEFORE water is introduced to hair, there is less swelling and Deswelling of the hair fiber(hygral fatigue) and hence a remarkable reduction in cuticle lifting and protein loss.

Coconut Oil (if applied before washing hair) serves as a protectant to hair to prevent hair damage or protein loss, during the detangling process. Nevertheless, Coconut Oil still serves as a very conditioning oil when applied to dry hair due to its ability to penetrate the hair shaft.